Biology A2 Clones

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Clones

1. Natural cloning is observed in asexual reproduction (mitosis in eukaryotes and binary fission in prokaryotes)

where the offspring is genetically identical to the parent and the only genetic differences that can occur are those that are a result of a mutation.

-Advantages

it is quick so allows organisms to reproduce rapidly and so take advantage of current resources present in the environment that might not be available in the future.

can be completed in case sexual reproduction fails or isn't possible.(there is less chance of extinction of the species)

all offspring have the genetic information to enable them to survive in their current environment

-Disadvantages

does not produce any genetic variety so the offspring have the same weaknesses as the parents hence if there are changes in the environment all genetically identical offspring would be equally susceptible to a negative impact

Example of a type of asexual reproduction in plants

*Natural vegetative propagation

what?-the production of structures in an organism that can grow into individual organisms ,the offspring are clones of the parents as they contain the same genetic information.

when?-following damage to the parent plant

why?-to allow species to survive catastrophes such as disease and burning

How? -new growth in the form of root suckers(basal sprouts) appears within two months of the destruction of the main trunk, these root suckers will grow from the meristem tissue in the trunk(close to the ground where is the least amount of damage)

=>English elm, raspberry

2. Artificial clones in plants

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